Outdoor Warning System

Why use outdoor warning sirens?

Sirens are still the most effective method to warn the population at large in
the shortest amount of time. People who may be outdoors at ball games, in their
yard, or anywhere else where they are not in contact with the normal news media
channels such as radio, TV or local public address systems.

How are they activated?

Radio control is the most popular method of activating sirens. To activate the siren system, the operator presses a button and a radio signal is transmitted. The signals are picked up by the receivers at the sirens. They decode the paging signals to determine what they are to do. A particular signal may instruct the sirens to give a weather warning call, while still another may cause the sirens to stop their sounding. With the new generation of communication signal processors, the variations are limitless.

Why are they called outdoor warning sirens?

The sirens are called outdoor warning sirens because their primary purpose is to alert people who are outside to severe weather, chemical, or other emergencies. While you may be able to hear the siren inside your house, this is not the primary function of the outdoor warning siren.

What should I do if I hear an outdoor warning siren?

If you hear an outdoor warning siren you should seek shelter inside immediately. Once inside, you should turn on a television or radio to find out further information. Local officials will be disseminating information about the emergency through these outlets.

When are the outdoor warning sirens tested?

The outdoor warning sirens are tested at noon on the first Wednesday of each month. In the event of threatening weather, the test may be postponed.

What is the range of the outdoor warning sirens?

The siren wail sound can be heard for an approximate distance of ½ mile. Sounds can travel different distances depending on weather and other atmospheric conditions, so please remember these distances are just estimates and that the primary function of the outdoor warning sirens is to warn people who are outside of emergencies.